Quakes fall 2-0 against Vancouver

Portland, Ore. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell 2-0 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their second game of the Rose City Invitational on Wednesday at Providence Park. The Earthquakes generated a number of quality chances, but were unable to break through.

San Jose nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Brandon Barklage’s shot was cleared off the line by Vancouver defender Carlyle Mitchell. Barklage found Sam Garza open at the far post with a low whipped cross. Garza then returned the favor with a teasing ball across the goal face that Barklage ripped from 12 yards out. The shot would have found the net if not for a diving deflection from Mitchell.

Vancouver scored against the run of play in the 26th minute. Sam Adekugbe found Kenny Miller with a cross during a counter attack that the Scottish international buried with one touch from close range.

The Earthquakes had another golden opportunity in the 29th minute after Adam Jahn broke free with just the keeper to beat. Jahn dribbled into the box after winning a ball in San Jose’s attacking half and tried to slot his shot low past goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi, but the Italian was game forl the task.

Chris Wondolowski got a look on a Sam Garza corner kick late in the match. San Jose’s leading scorer from the last four seasons volleyed his shot on target, but Ethen Sampson lunged and knocked it away before crossing the goal line.

Vancouver’s Bryce Alderson won a penalty in the final minutes of the match, going down in the box after attempting to receive a pass. Darren Mattocks buried the ensuing spot kick to make it 2-0.

The Earthquakes close the Rose City Invitational on Saturday, March 1 against Portmore United of Jamaica. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. PT at Providence Park with a livestream available on www.sjearthquakes.com.